Kent out with rib cage injuryCACTUS LEAGUE BEAT

Published 4:00 am, Wednesday, February 23, 2000

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. - As his teammates participated in the Giants' first full-squad workout Tuesday morning, Jeff Kent was in the trainers' room.

The second baseman will be sidelined indefinitely with a strained rib cage muscle.

"These are unpredictable," trainer Stan Conte said. "I've seen players get ready in a week. I've seen players get ready in six weeks. It's usually worse for a pitcher."

Kent sustained the injury two weeks ago while working with weights, doing leg work. He reported to spring training Feb. 17, hoping enough medical treatment would get him ready for Tuesday's first workout. Conte said Kent will miss at least a couple of days of workouts.

"This is Feb. 23, so I'm not concerned at all," Kent said. "We have a lot of spring training to go."

The problem is in Kent's left side, making it uncomfortable to swing and, especially, throw. He spent Tuesday taking a second set of X-rays and undergoing diagnostic tests in the presence of Dr. Rob Meislin.

"Everybody's best guess is nothing's broken," said Kent, who is also being monitored for a nagging toe problem.

SNOW'S RECOVERY: First baseman J.T. Snow will ease into spring training following last month's knee surgery, taking fewer grounders and limiting his standing-around time. He expects a full recovery by the end of camp.

"My goal is to be 100 percent by Opening Day," he said. "I don't see any setbacks happening."

One of Snow's offseason highlights was obtaining a pregame sideline pass for the Super Bowl. His connection? His father, Jack Snow, a St. Louis Rams' broadcaster and former L.A. Rams' wide receiver.

"It's probably a once-in-a-lifetime deal," he said.

Snow's dad got fitted for a Super Bowl ring last week. He never received one as a player.

ETC.: Willie McCovey, who joined the front office as a senior adviser, had hoped to make a spring-training appearance following his latest knee surgeries, but it doesn't seem he's ready yet. Willie Mays is due later this month, along with former catcher Hobie Landrith. Orlando Cepeda is expected in mid-March, and he'll be asked to work on Russ Davis' footwork around first base - the third baseman is expected to back up Snow. Vida Blue, a spring-training regular in the past, isn't scheduled to visit camp, but Mike McCormick is due in late March. . . . One goal in spring training is to quicken pitchers' deliveries in an attempt to prevent runners from getting huge jumps. The problem is most evident among relievers. Basestealers were 11-for-11 with Alan Embree (a lefty) on the mound. Off John Johnstone, they were 11-for-12. Off Robb Nen, 9-for-10. "We've got to be careful, though," manager Dusty Baker said. "If they're quick to the plate just to hold runners, the next thing you know the ball's off the wall." &lt;